Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661
MADISON—Wisconsin businesses that want to begin or enhance an export initiative should plan to meet with the state’s international trade office representatives during their annual visit to Wisconsin May 9-13, Department of Commerce Secretary Paul Jadin announced today.
“Wisconsin currently has a network of international trade offices that can serve as the eyes and ears of Wisconsin exporters in four key markets around the world,” said Secretary Jadin. “I encourage you to attend these meetings and learn firsthand how to build export sales.”
The international offices are located in Canada – Wisconsin’s top export destination and the country where most novice exporters get their initial experience; Mexico – Wisconsin’s #2 export destination; Brazil – a fast growing market with significant export potential but also a reputation for a high degree of government regulation and tariffs on imports; and China – a market that excites the imagination of many businesspeople but whose business practices and need for contacts can stymie the unprepared.
Wisconsin’s international trade offices offer a variety of services depending upon the needs of the Wisconsin exporter:
* counseling on local business practices, regulatory environment, and trade show participation;
* introductions to support services providers such as warehouses, accountants, lawyers, ad agencies;
* real time access to market information via conference calls with in-country staff;
* customized market research to determine market viability;
* agent/distributor and client/end-user searches with appointment arrangement;
* customized services in some markets such as product registration and sales manager searches;
* miscellaneous assistance such as invitation letters for visa purposes, local logistics recommendations, and advocacy work with local governments.
Each year, the directors of the international trade offices visit Wisconsin to meet with local exporters. They provide initial feedback on the appropriateness and potential for success of products in their markets. They help firms take further steps and plan strategies to enter a market. These one-on-one meetings help build the relationships needed to ensure ongoing commitment to international sales efforts.
This year’s annual visit to Wisconsin is scheduled for May 9-13. Vince Lencioni (Mexico), Paul Swenson (China), Claudia Tomaselli (Brazil), and Nancy Ward (Canada) will be available for meetings in Cleveland on May 9, Milwaukee on May 10, Neenah and Wausau on May 11, Eau Claire on May 12, and Madison on May 13. To request a meeting, and access details or the meetings, contact the Department of Commerce staff responsible for appointments in the following locations:
* Monday, May 9 – Cleveland – Navigating Global Markets (http://www.wausauchamber.com/docwausau/Navigating%20Global%20Markets%20-%20LTC.pdf) – Mr. Brad Schneider, Commerce Export Development Manager, brad.schneider@wisconsin.gov, ph: (608) 347-2480
* Tuesday, May 10 – Milwaukee – 47th Annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference (http://www.mwta.com/images/stories/2010-11_eventdownloads/2011-MWTA-Trade-ConferenceFINAL.pdf)
– Ms. Susan Dragotta, Commerce Export Development Manager, susan.dragotta@wisconsin.gov, ph: (262) 691-5147;
* Wednesday, May 11 – Neenah – Global Trade Outlook (http://www.titletown.org/media/135874/global%20trade%20outlook%20briefing%20-%20neenah.pdf) and Wausau – Global Insights (http://www.wausauchamber.com/docwausau/Global%20Insights%20Flyer%20-%20Wausau.pdf) – Mr. Brad Schneider, Commerce Export Development Manager, brad.schneider@wisconsin.gov, ph: (608) 347-2480
* Thursday, May 12 – Eau Claire – Doing Business Globally (http://www.uwec.edu/CE/programs/global.htm) – Mr. Stanley Pfrang, Commerce Export Development Manager, stanley.pfrang@wisconsin.gov, ph: (608) 267-0639;
* Friday, May 13 – Madison – Madison International Trade Association Breakfast Meeting (http://mitatrade.org/events/details/breakfast-meeting-with-wisconsins-international-trade-office-directors) – Ms. Beng Yeap, Commerce Export Development Manager, beng.yeap@wisconsin.gov, ph: (608) 266-1480.
